Yet what
fine courage and what a fund of hope he needed to venture upon an
enterprise which outwardly seemed so wild and rash, and the wisdom of
which was apparent to himself alone. With whom could he discuss such a
matter, to whom could he confide his doubts and hesitation? When the idea
of consulting Boutan occurred to him, he at once asked the doctor for an
appointment. Here was such a confidant as he desired, a man of broad,
brave mind, one who worshipped life, who was endowed with far-seeing
intelligence, and who would therefore at once look beyond the first
difficulties of execution.
As soon as they were face to face on either side of the table, Mathieu
began to pour forth his confession, recounting his dream--his poem, as he
called it. And the doctor listened without interrupting, evidently won
over by the young man's growing, creative emotion. When at last Boutan
had to express an opinion he replied: "_Mon Dieu_, my friend, I can tell
you nothing from a practical point of view, for I have never even planted
a lettuce. I will even add that your project seems to me so hazardous
that any one versed in these matters whom you might consult would
assuredly bring forward substantial and convincing arguments to dissuade
you.
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